Keep The Assessment Connected To Reality
A fire risk assessment review asks whether an existing assessment remains suitable for the premises as they operate now. It examines changes, outstanding actions and any reason to doubt the previous conclusions. The review should produce an updated record of the judgement made, not simply a new date on the cover.
This service is for responsible persons, facilities teams, commercial landlords and managing agents with an existing assessment. It helps establish whether a focused review is appropriate or whether the changes and available information call for a fresh assessment. Send the full previous report when enquiring so that this distinction can be discussed.
When A Review Becomes Necessary
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the assessment to be reviewed regularly and kept up to date. A review is particularly relevant where there is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid or where significant changes have occurred. The law does not prescribe one universal annual renewal date for every business building.
A diary date remains useful for managing the process, and a previous assessor may recommend an interval suited to the risks. That date should not stop you acting sooner after a material change. An incident, a near miss, new equipment or a change in the people using the building may justify earlier attention.
Changes That Deserve Attention
Altered partitions, mezzanines, new access controls and a different use of storage can affect escape or the spread of smoke. Increased occupancy, lone working and changed visitor patterns can alter evacuation arrangements. Changes to a shared building also matter where they affect the routes or systems on which your premises rely.
Improvements deserve review too. A replaced alarm, repaired door or revised evacuation procedure may address a previous finding but introduce a different evidence question. Keep the supporting records so that the reviewer can understand what was changed and how completion was established.
What We Need Before The Visit
Provide the existing assessment, action plan and any supporting drawings you hold. Include records of alterations, relevant system maintenance and evidence for actions marked complete. A short list of known changes since the previous report helps focus the discussion without assuming those are the only changes that matter.
Tell us if the previous inspection excluded areas or relied on information that has never been confirmed. An unexamined void or missing fire-strategy document does not become satisfactory through the passage of time. The review should either resolve the limitation or carry it forward clearly with the appropriate next step.
How The Review Works
- Confirm the original assessment boundary and the purpose of the review.
- Compare the previous findings with changes to use, occupancy, layout and precautions.
- Inspect accessible premises as needed to establish current conditions.
- Examine evidence for completed actions and discuss outstanding or new risks.
- Record the review findings, updated priorities, limitations and future review triggers.
The report should explain what has been reconsidered and what still relies on earlier evidence. If the original report is too limited or the premises have changed substantially, a new assessment may be the more useful route. That decision should be made openly rather than forcing all work into a review label.
Reviews In Multi-Occupied Buildings
A tenant’s review should take account of relevant changes in shared areas and building management. Obtain current information from the landlord or managing agent about the alarm, stairs and common routes. Conversely, tell the building manager when your own changes could affect the other occupiers.
A new managing agent or responsible person also needs a useful handover of fire-safety information. Historic reports without an explanation of completed actions can leave the incoming manager uncertain about current risk. A review can identify what needs verification and which responsibilities require clarification.
What Affects The Review Cost
The cost depends on the quality of the existing assessment, the amount of change and the inspection required. A small layout adjustment with clear records involves different work from a new use across several floors. Missing evidence and unresolved limitations may require additional investigation outside the review scope.
Explain whether you want a standalone review record, a revised full assessment or a portfolio action update. These outputs need different preparation and should be defined in the quotation. Specialist testing and remedial works remain separate unless expressly included.
Following Through On The New Findings
Use the reviewed action plan to assign work, not merely to replace an earlier document in the file. Tell staff about changes that affect evacuation, equipment or their duties, and keep evidence that management actions have been carried out. Agree practical triggers for bringing the next review forward.
Read our fire risk assessment Nottingham overview for the main local service. A fire safety audit can support a separate examination of the management records and processes behind your assessment.
Service Questions
Is A Fire Risk Assessment Review Required Every Year?
A fire risk assessment review is required regularly and when relevant changes or concerns make it necessary. There is no universal annual interval in the Fire Safety Order for all commercial premises. Agree a risk-based review programme, follow any justified recommendation for your building and act sooner when the existing assessment may no longer be valid.
Can You Review An Assessment Written By Someone Else?
A fire risk assessment review can consider a report prepared by another assessor if the evidence and scope are adequate. Share the complete report and supporting action records before commissioning the work. If the original assessment cannot support a reliable current judgement, a fresh assessment may be recommended instead of a limited review.
What If Our Previous Actions Are Still Outstanding?
Outstanding fire risk assessment actions should remain visible during the review, with their current risk and reasons for delay considered. A new report date does not reset the need to deal with them. Provide any interim measures and progress evidence, and agree who has authority to complete the remaining work or obtain further advice.